'A' fresh start for ASU freshmen

One of ASU's favorite traditions, students whitewash the A on Hayden Butte

August 21, 2016

Whitewashing the 'A' is a Sun Devil tradition as the university's monogram becomes a blank slate for the new school year

Starting one's college journey is a chance for a fresh start, a clean slate. And it's the same for "A" Mountain.

On Saturday, freshmen from all of the Valley campuses came to Hayden Butte (aka "A" Mountain) to give the giant, traditionally gold "A" a coat of white paint.

Whitewashing the "A" is one of Arizona State University's traditions, and it's a chance for incoming students to put their stamp, so to speak, on their new home. (The "A" will be returned to its gold hue before the first home football game.)

See the fun below in video and photos.

Volunteers welcome students to whitewash the "A" on August 20, 2016.

Robin Kiyutelluk/Arizona State University

Students grab small cups full of paint as they head up "A" mountain.

Robin Kiyutelluk/Arizona State University

Senior Nicole Evans reminds whitewashers to stay hydrated as they're waiting for their chance to paint the "A." Temperatures were in the mid 90s Saturday morning.

Robin Kiyutelluk/Arizona State University

The climb to the "A" is steep, but first year students juggle water, paint and cell phones without incident.

Robin Kiyutelluk/Arizona State University

From left, journalism students Alexa Buechler, Juila Bashaw and Morgan Willis do their part to whitewash the "A" Saturday.

Robin Kiyutelluk/Arizona State University

Erica Berlin (left) and Victoria Alanis make the pitchfork sign up against the "A" and snap photos on their cell phones.

Robin Kiyutelluk/Arizona State University

Forks up for Erica Fernandez (left) and Maya Foxall after doing their part to whitewash the "A."